WHO WILL BE CROWNED MFDW SS19 MODEL OF THE YEAR 2019.

With few days left for the Mpumalanga fashion and Design week to come alive . 

Everyone is curious to know who is going to walk away as the Best Model during the event. 

Seven models from across the Southern Africa hemisphere will be representing their countries in the competition. 

These are Botswana who will be represented by Denzel Katlego Banyatsi and Secha Basinoko ,Zimbabwe will be represented by Lovemore Zambezi,Shadel Noble and Adonis Ncube. 

While the kingdom of Eswatini will be represented by Kelvin Mnyakeni and Caroleen Vilakati. 

Last year Caroleen Vilakati was awarded the award as the Best Model. 

Fans of the models have been urged to vote for their favourite models. 

By clicking the like button on the Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week Facebook page where the pics of their models are uploaded. 

The winner of the award will be announced on the 4th of May during the event.

Models will be joined by designers who will be showcasing their colourful collections such designers include Ever son Yong'ever Matewere,Thuli'Designers Clothing and Qondi Designers Collection and other designers. 

Mpumalanga Fashion week will be celebrating three years in existing.

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL ECO-FASHION DESIGNER JOHN ABLAZA HEADS TO ZIM.

International reneowned eoc-fashion designer,John Ablaza is heading to Zimbabwe for a fashion workshop in Bulawayo,Harare and Victoria Falls.

The renowned Philipian fashion designer will kick off his tour in the capital city of Harare  and the second capital city on the 28th of April and on the 14th of May respectively.

He will be accompanied by make up artist Pierrel-Iyn Arcega and model,runway  and pageant coach Medsy Mezilus .

This will give models,MUA,photographers,fashion designers and stylist an opportunity to learn more about the fashion industry.

The show in Bulawayo which  is organised by Open-Eye agency and other organisers ,will see some of John Ablaza's collection pieces being auctioned and the money going to a particular charity organisation .

The last time when John Ablaza visited Zimbabwe was in 2016. His visit tour was in conjunction with Hunnar Management Agency,United States Of America Embassy In Zimbabwe,ZITF,Kusika Design Center and other organisations.

During the workshop he empowered a number of fashion designers,models and those who are fashion lovers. 

Who attended the event in the city of Kings and Queens and in the Sun Shine city. 

Design Techniques, Natural materials,collaboration with artist and were some of the topics that were designed. 

John Ablaza has more than 3 decades being in the industry and has showcased his designs across the globe. 

Hence his tour is seen as a benefit to Zimbabwe's fashion and modelling industry. 

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

ONE ON ONE WITH TREVOR ZVIRAHWA.

Meet Trevor Zvirahwa,Zimbabwean runway model. Who has catwalked in a number of fashion show ramps. In an interview with him,we get to find out more about his modelling career and he talks more about some of his achievements in the modelling industry.

TR:Describe Trevor Zvirahwa in 3 words?

TZ:Kind, savage and fairly handsome .

TR:How did you became part of the industry?

TZ:Well my modelling career started out differently from others.I  woke up and told my mother that I want to be a model and luckily I had a fashionshow casting then I auditioned and God came through for..that was the start of it.

TR:Why is it important for Local fashion designers and organisers to support local models?

TZ:The importance on how local designers can help local models is to take models for brand shoots, help them build their brands by showing casing their clothes through models not mannequins, so this will fairly boost both their careers and keep themselves busy as well .

TR:You have catwalked in a regional platform such as Durban Fashion Fair show can you share with us the experience you had there?

TZ:International fashions shows or the modelling industry is quite different from our local fashions that we have here in Zimbabwe. The management is different, they treat models differently, pretty everything is always in order which is something that we really need to adopt here in Zimbabwe. Payments come through the exact date they are due and professionalism is key..those are the few aspects I found to be different. 

TR:Whose design did you wear across the ramp?

TZ:I worked with Chuulap a well known designer who stays in South Africa but is from Thailand, Mr Quame Owusugh from Ghana and also the known brand called Markham.

TR:Besides The Durban Fashion Fair,what are some of the fashion shows you have took part in ?

TZ: I started modelling two years from now and I did quite a number of fashion shows that include Zimbabwe fashion week, Harare Fashion Week and to mention a few.

TR:Who are your style Muses?

TZ:Style muse has to be Trevor Jackson and Jeremy Meeks. 

TR:What are some of your major achievements in the industry so far?

TZ:Major achievements that I have as a model to be known international and being able to sign contracts outside of Zim and to know influential people in the industry such as Andy Cutta, Gilmore Tee..

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

AFRICA NEEDS TO SUPPORT MALE PAGEANTS' SAYS MR WORLDWIDE GHANA.

 Africa has been in the spotlight of having few male modelling pageants. Yoni Ahafia is a Ghananian model who represented his country in India last year during Mister Model Wideworld and was crowned Mr Congeniality and 2nd runner up for the Best Body model,during Mr World Wide World competition.
In an interview that we conducted,Yoni tells us the reason why male model pageants should be supported the same way the public is supporting their female counterparts.

TR:Yoni can you briefly in a summary tell us about yourself?

YA:I am Yoni Ahafia, a Ghanaian born in Israel(Middle East). A graduate of the Accra Polytechnic now Accra Technical University,studied Purchasing & Supply.

 I am 29years of age, a Model and the Operations Assistant for PSV Ghana Ltd(Fire engineering company). I am very sociable,love movies,read and play video games. Banku with groundnut soup is my favorite delicacy 

TR:What inspired you to be part of the modelling industry?

YA:I personally loved show Biz,way back i used to do some rap and miming when i was in my primary school. When it was graduation or an Open- Day,everybody came around just to see me perform,cause i shook the stage really good,hahahahaha.But what  really inspired me to become a Model was pictures of Tyson Beckford. I even had the opportunity to have a chat with him on Instagram and he advised me a lot.

TR:Yoni you have a number of achievements in your career especially when it comes to awards can you tell us some of those you have won and those you have been a nominee?

YA:AWARDS: Mr. Model Africa 2017 Ghana (2nd Runner-Up)won two awards (Photogenic and Best Runway Model). 

Mr. Model Worldwide 2018 which was hosted in  India (Best Body 2nd Runner-Up & Mr. Congeniality).

NOMINATIONS: Unique Model of the Year   2018 (MODUGA). Model of The Year 2018 (Fashion & Lifestyles Awards). 

TR:Yoni you have a number of achievements in your career especially when it comes to awards can you tell us some of those you have won and those you have been nominated for?

YA:AWARDS: Mr. Model Africa 2017 Ghana (2nd Runner-Up)won two awards (Photogenic and Best Runway Model). *Mr. Model Worldwide 2018 India (Best Body 2nd Runner-Up & Mr. Congeniality).NOMINATIONS: *Unique Model of the Year   2018 (MODUGA). *Model of The Year 2018 (Fashion & Lifestyles Awards). 

TR:Besides winning awards you are Mister Ghana's Mr Model Worldwide can you tell us how you won that title?

YA:I would say hardwork pays off . My hardwork got me that award,not forgetting my Agency, Passion Exhibit Modeling Agency, they groomed me well making me what i am now . I have been with them for almost 4years and i am happy being with them.

TR:Speaking about your title during Mr Model Worldwide you won the prestigious congenital award can you tell us more about it and did you had any clue that you will win that award

YA:The Congeniality award is basically awarded to a person who is sociable and lively, and as i said earlier i am very sociable. Not to blow my horns,i was among the liveliest person among the contestants. Even before officially given me that award at the finallies and voting was carried out among the contestants and I emerged the winner. The thing is if Mr. Ghana was not around,the group was boring .

TR:Why should people support  male pageantry?

YA:Modeling is a career and I don’t see why the public should be against it. How would a parent feel if their children won awards and excelled through modeling?, of course they would be happy or a male model put his country's name on the map during an international contest?

The nation would be happy. So i kindly urge the public to support male pageantry just like they support that of the female.

TR:Focusing in your country Ghana how has the pageantry modelling industry been for male models?

YA:So far so good, its been great there have been various challenges on the side of the models and the event organizers due to lack of sponsorship. Comparing female pageantry to male pageantry,the female get lots of support than that of the male. But i am hoping that would change soon since male pageantry is really being recognised now.

TR:Who inspires your career?

YA:Tyson Beckord, the C.E.O of Passion Exhibit modelling agency(PEMA).Stephen Osae, My boss Eric Awuah Darfour, My best friend Richard Bigom and my special someone (giggles), Leticia Eshun (C.E.O of Leyoon Beauty & Wellness Center). 

All these great people inspire me and i say a big thanks to them.

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

MR ESWATINI SETS UP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES TO KEEP YOUTHS OUT OF CRIME ACTIVITIES.

Rodney Landsbeg derives from Eswatini the royal Kingdom,Rodney Landsberg  who has won almost 5 pageants was crowned Mr Eswatini last year, in an interview Rodney informs us how his journey has been. Since he was ordained as Mr Eswatini. He informs us how is is trying to improve his community by introducing several programmes that will keep youths from crime.

TR: When did you decided 'Okay' ! this is it , I'm going to compete for this pageant?

RL:I decided to join Mr. ESwatini after looking closely at the people who had already joined.

 Not for competitions sake, but rather for the sake of the pageants industry in the country. 

Many people think pageants are a free backstage pass to partied alcohol and the opposite sex. And yet they are not those things. 

Pageant titles are a responsibility, one which you must hold without most respect and dignity. And out of some of the contestants I knew that to them it was a party trick.

Having held four Pageant titles previously, I knew what pageants were, and most of all I knew what they meant, especially to me. A person whose ,whole life was changed by winning one simple pageant. 

I knew that if I do not join, I would have let the industry down. Because not only did I know what it takes to hold a title, I also knew what it meant.

So on 31st December 2017, the final deadline for registration, I submitted my form and requested to join MR ESwatini 2018.

TR:When you were announced as the King of the pageant.How did you manage to receive the news and did you had any clue that you were the winner?

RL:From the first day I started pageantry in 2014, I knew this was for me. As humans we have talents, some of us have multiple talents. 

Out of the talents we have there is that favorite one, that favorite one for me was pageants. The day I won my first pageant it meant so much to me in a way no one would understand. I knew Pageantry was my thing. Pageantry had chosen me, and I needed it at that time, the runway was the only place I found hope, I found appreciation, love.

when I am in a pageant that hour, or three hours…. Or let’s say those runs on the stage give me a rush, a rush and nothing else has ever made me feel that much alive. Have your ever done something and During that time nothing in the world matters “not money, not fame, not anything” only one thing goes in your mind when you find that thing, you want to be the best at it… and the only way I knew how was after winning four pageants I had to get that final one… that big one, that national one. 

Because I knew no one else who wanted it that bad. Or maybe I did, they hadn’t joined and it would be unfair if the crown was taken by someone who would mess up its reputation. Or someone who wouldn’t understand its worth. Mr. ESwatini then became a personal quest. 

You must understand that Pageants are not an easy thing. They may break or make you. If they break you, you are forever damaged. You are judged in front of your loved ones and if they see you are not as perfect as you seem, you may lose hope in yourself. 

 But you can learn from them. I have won Five pageants in  a row… but it doesn’t mean I landed perfect, I landed a pageant winner, no. before that I lost two pageants, I learnt how to walk from the ones who had bettered me at that time, learnt how to talk on stage, how to train and keep fit and healthy. And most of all how to wear that slim fit personally tailored suit. Thanks to a friend who I would always help do photoshoots for his Clothes. He was able to tailor a suit for me. That was the best suit I had ever worn.

It was during the question and answer sessions when I realized I had made it. I thought to myself, I had given it my outmost best. it turned out that my best, was that year’s best.

I am beating about the bush trying to explain a feeling that cannot be explained. When you are told you are the best amongst people you have seen show far greater qualities than your own, and this is done in front of a huge crowd. You feel like the whole world is yours. Like you are capable of being the best at anything. 

It is quite a hard feeling to explain, there is great fullness, a sense of achievement, love, too much love, hope, passion, drive. A bolt of all the inspiring feelings run through you and very few people get that feeling of being deemed the best in front of a lot of people. 

It’s a good feeling, an incredible one and it is addictive. 

TR:What lesson did you get?

RL:If you are true to yourself, so true that the whole world sees who you really are, even they can’t fight against the will you will have for success, Infact nothing can stand in your way. If you are true to yourself.

I also learnt that people are incredible… there are many people out there, each with their own incredible story. 

No one is greater than the other… the difference lies in who tells theirs. And how they tell it…. If I tell my story and it doesn’t move you, you will forget it the next day… but if it moves you, like the young colourd boy who lived in a stick and mud house and was raised by his grandmother, made it through a life of crime, setting out to show the people of his home area that you can be on the paper without being on the wanted list. The boy who made it through school with no parents, made it to university and graduated. Without money for Clothes or good food he was able to be whom he wanted to be. What on earth is stopping you?

If I want something in future I look at what I have accomplished and I realize maaaaaan anything is possible. So what have I learnt? Human beings are capable of anything, especially the most un-imaginable form of greatness. They are capable. We are capable.

TR:Who is your role model in Africa? 

RL:My Role Model in Africa…, let’s see. Should I pick a single person, or am I allowed to pick the continent itself (giggles) . Because the story of Africa is an incredible one.

Yes we have made mistakes and we are not a perfect people. But we deserve a little 'credit' for coming this far. From the mother who walks a long distance for a bucket of water, to the born a crime colored who made it to the daily show. From the Struggling Artist’s to the famous ones. From the child headed families to the ones that the economy depends on. From the freedom fighter to the presidents. We are a strong people, we deserve so much credit for coming this far. 

There is no singular person, but rather a combination of all the inspiring stories told by Africa form who I wish to become.

Still on Africa, what do you think can be done to support the male counter parts of pageants?

Eish that’s a tough one. The support the male pageants get is not as huge as the female counter part. And that does bring about numerous challenges. 

I think that we must support our female counter parts as much as we can, you will be surprised the support they can give back, this then attracts attention from the relevant people who can offer support.

For instance, I know Former Miss Lesotho, and she has given me so much support on social media and in Advice, I know the Pageant coach from University of Botswana, she too helped me with a lot of advice. I know Miss ESwatini, and my support towards her and her projects have generated so much support for my projects as well, supporting them through social media and in real life. Miss Teen ESwatini, Miss Uniswa, Miss Tourism… all these pageant winners do support my endeavors.

Now in as much as we are lacking support, there are people walking the same path as we are. The judgement, the “being perfect all the time” the pressure being the face of a country comes with. And if we support these people during their times. They will support us during ours. And this support can take you much further than a company who is pushing their Marketing Campaign.

TR:What have you done for your community?

RL:I have gone to 24 schools in the country, for motivational speeches, to try and encourage them to be their outmost best, to be the best they can at whatever they do.  I realized that we are falling behind in education. And it is because the youth forget how important going to school is. How it opens the mind. And so I tried to inspire as many as possible to try and learn as much as they can.

I tried to engage companies with the financial muscle and personnel with the capability to make a difference. Where some companies did help. I was involved with some charities. Where we visited community soup kitchens. I also was engaged in uplifting the Acting industry in the country which needs a few big names supporting it, even if it is by occasionally being present at their events.

I am still trying to make a name for myself so that I may be able to better help my people. I read somewhere that “the sight of an achievement is the greatest gift a human being can offer others”. 

In 2016 I helped establish a modelling School, here I help teach those who want to be like me how to model. Where to go, which channels to take and how to make it a paying job whilst they do it, because they have to be able to make ends meet.

With the help of my community the young members and I were able to set up a community development program in the place where I grew up. From time to time this program engages the youth and helps to gather and have talks with the youth as how can they better curb the Crime that has been dominant for a greater number of years in my home area. It’s not very huge yet and currently has an attendance of 20 people a week. We are positive it will grow and soon with time and effort it will be able to make a difference in the whole community.

It is unfortunate that I have to seek Employment as I have to make ends meet. My grandmother has been working for so long, I owe it to her that she rests.

TR:What's your future plans?

RL:(Laughing) ha-ha you want to steal my success plans, no no no. hahaha (laughing).

Let’s just say, if I don’t become the role model I hope once had, I would have at least tried my outmost best. I am working towards being able to make the difference that counts. And to do that I will have to have the ability. I am seeking that ability. Once I have got it, I will be able to use it well. And make a significant difference where possible.

TR:Besides modelling what are your other dreams that you planning to achieve?

RL:Education. I hope to create a platform where the unfortunate may receive the education the fortunate receive. Education can improve the level of thinking of a human being. The poor folk get worse education whilst the most fortunate get the best education. They are able to maneuver in a new age of information.

So if we can get some of the humble folk to be educated well enough, maybe things might be better for the world. Because not only does education give you better skills with Numbers, History or Science. It gives you access to the biggest and most valuable tool we have been given as human beings.

It opens your mind such that you are able to think…. Rome was not built in a Day, but before it was built it was thought off. The Tall buildings, the fastest cars, the social Media Platforms. These things were thought of, by people who had the ability to think.

Education broadens your thinking capacity. Such that the Individual is able to think about himself, his family, his country, his continent and the world he lives in. not limiting his mind to a day to day basis but also giving him the ability to set plans for his own tomorrow.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

AWARD WINNING MODEL ASSIST PRISON INMATES.

Ronald Jay Tambane popularly known as Sir Jay is a multi-talented artist who is a model and an actor. In addition to his career portfolio he is involved into charity. He works with a non governmental organization titled,'We Care Charity ' which assist prison inmates.In an interview Jay tell us why he helps the prison inmates and what it meant to win the Best Charity award during Zimbabwe Models Awards last year.

TR:Who is Jay Tambane aka Sir Jay?

JT:I can just say I am a male model based in Harare,Zimbabwe under Top Model Zimbabwe. 

I like to think of myself as a goal driven and passionate person. My main inspiration being fashion, fitness, sport and charity.

 TR:Currently you are a student at Women's University in Africa,studying psychology. What made you to select that department?

JT:Growing up i have always been a curious individual. Asking myself why people behave the way, they behave so i,decided to pursue this as to understand these questions and this helped me to understand why people in the society act the way they act and also to understand the deviant behavior of criminals in the society 

TR:The rumour has it that the university gives a space of about 15% gentleman students. And you part of that number can we say you lucky?

JT:The simplest answer i can give to that is YES  because WUA empowers women and that's why the largest number there of students is  of females. And its an honor to be part of that number because it helps to address the gender imbalance that we have in our country and Africa as a whole.

TR:Jay you work in a number of Charity programmes one of them is working with prisoners in Harare Central Prison 

JT: My inspiration came from mostly my parents. My mother worked there before she passed away in 2011 and she always made it a habit to give whatever she could to them. 

She always said this "Prisoners are people too", that statement made me realize that it could be me in prison and i would want someone to provide something for me when i am in there. 

My father also does the same thing and i can proudly say they were my inspiration. 

From the degree i am pursuing it showed me the reasons why most of them(prisoners)commit these crimes and forgiving them for what they have done and providing the little that we can for them it helps them to become law abiding citizens when they are reintegrated back into the society.

TR:Talking about Charity you won the Best Charity during the Zimbabwe models awards 

JT:It was an honor to have won that award and also an inspiration. 

It makes us as people realise that everything we do no-matter how small matters. The award as an inspiration to me and it made me realise that i should continue doing Charity work, Mercy the owner of the organization said the same thing to me during the awards and that I  should tell people out there that giving back to society is necessary,  after all you loose nothing by giving to the less fortunate that little you can.

 

JT: Mostly donations and I do some counseling when i can. As for donations to inmate i give  books, some of them are in school, since most inmates attend school In Prison.

 Most of them need shoes to use when they are working. And most of them need things like soaps, towels,  also food, so i try to offer all this when i can. In my work there i have selected a few that i do counsellings sessions with and mostly i realized that the crimes that they commit are because of misunderstandings, lack if education and poverty.

 TR:What lessons have you learn't since you established your charity organization?

TJ:Some of the lessons include, there are a lot of people who need help out there and the things you do no-matter how small helps and matter a lot to those you do it to.

MORE ABOUT :WE CARE CHARITY

The Charity Organization is called We Care Charity being a Product of Cool Kids Zimbabwe and my little brother's brain child Rodwell Tambade. The main sponsors of my charity Organisation are the youth of zimbabwe mostly upcoming models, singers and teens with big hearts. The donations come inform of anything they can so that we can help the less Fortunate. Me and some few members of We Care pay monthly subscriptions that we pay and use the money for donations when we reach a curtain amount. 

Assistance can be inform of toys for donations to children's homes, clothes, shoes, food, books and even money that we can use to buy things for donations. My contact numbers are +263775116455 whatsapp and +263775613035 for calls.

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

THE BATTLE OF the MODELS COMES TO ZIMBABWE

The battle of the models is a reality television series with 13 episodes to be screened on local and international Television. 

During the tv series models will be will be asked various questions that have to do with the modelling industry and social life. 

The Battle of the Models was founded by Mercy Mushaninga four years ago,but has been shelved since then, it will be hosted in a number of countries such asZambia,Namibia,Botswana,SouthAfrica,Mozambique,Rwanda,Cameroon,Ghana,Kenya,Nigeria,Tanzania,Malawi and Zimbabwe .

Zimbabwean models will get an opportunity to battle in the show in August and the programme is expected to broadcasted in the same month. 

In an interview with Aftv Mag,Stanford Sabau  who is the project manager of the organisation,informed that preparations of the competition are underway.

He also added that doors for those who would like to be competitors are open for both male and female models. 

"The Zimbabwean series will be in August,the team has started scouting out for the new faces in the industry.However both male and female models are allowed to register for this event,"he informed. 

Stanford Sabau further encouraged Zimbabwean models to take part in this contest as it will boast their knowledge when it comes to adopting knowledge about other African countries' culture backgrounds.

"Culture exchange,marketing Zimbabwe at large through fashion and beauty are some of the benefits of being part of this ceremony," said Stan. 

He further encouraged models to use their skills of research to know more about reality show as the competition won't be easy.

"The models who are going to take part they have to brace themselves because the competition is going to be tough,we have models who will battle with them from well developed countries,the challenge will be tough this time around,"encouraged Stan.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

AWARD WINNING MODEL LEO SCOPES ANOTHER GONG.

Leo kwao is one of the best models in Africa who are dominating the modelling industry in Africa. As this has been shown during the previous Accra Fashion Week Awards when he won the Best Male Model Award during the event. 

Leo tells us what it means being an award winning model and how he managed to scope the award.

TR:Congrats in winning the best male model award during the Accra Fashion Week Fashion Ghana Honours & Awards...

LK:Thank you! 

TR:According to the people's votes you were the second runner up. But when the announcement was made on who was the winner it was your name called ?

LK:I had a staunch belief that I would be man of the night due to the fact that voting amounted for only 25% of 100%.

TR:What contributed to your win?

LK:The other 75% of the votes was imbibed with works of each nominee throughout February 2018 to February 2019, analytically I believe I best deserved the award. 

Also unwavering support of some key elements; My family, Passion Exhibit Modeling agency, Stephen Kojo Owusu, Bushaiweave, Raji Gideon and Mr Nii Kwei. 

I live by this firm postulate; Believe in God, Believe in your vision and never get discouraged, Believe in each and everyone that believes in you. 

TR:How has 2019 been for your modelling career?

LK:Looking at how graceful the year has began and already with an award as MALE MODEL OF THE YEAR. It's a sign of Belief that this year is going to be spectacular.

TR:Back to the event give us an insight of the atmosphere of the event?

LK:The event had bright and beautiful scenery full of key creative arts industry stakeholders, celebirties and alot of fashion lovers.

TR:What words do you have to your fans?

LK:I just cannot thank you all enough, you have been gracious and loving towards the team believe journey. 

It is just incredible and unexplainable when people from close and afar aren't in your head but can envisage the kind of mental picture you have and do everything possible to support you. 

TR:How many awards do you have so far and which one means a lot to you?

LK:4 Awards so far. They all mean alot to me such that anytime I look at them it reminds me of how far I've come, how supportive people and my fans have been in my life and finally that God is utmostly King! You just have to Believe!

TR:From winning the award what is next for Leo?

LK:Working on an entrepreneurial and other empowerment project.

FACEBOOK : Leopold kwao

INSTAGRAM : @leopold.kwao

TWITTER : @leopoldkwao1

By Tapiwa Rubaya

AW18 WW RICH MNISI.

MR BOTSWANA SPENDS HIS TIME WITH HIS COMMUNITY

Bonalenna Moetsabatho (BM);19; is a first year student at AFDA Botswana College currently studing BA Motion Picture/Film. Apart from that he is Mr Botswana in terms of runway. In an interview with Mr Botswana we get to find out some of the things that he has done to develop  his community.

TR:Hie Mr Botswana can you tell us who you are?

BM:I am a young 19 year old Motswana man from a village called Kalfontane located in the far desert -like ends of Botswana . I’m a young Ambitious, highly talented visionary person who is kind,passionate, I have high level of self esteem and I believe in God.

TR:When did you decided 'Okay' ! this is it , I'm going to compete for this pageant?

BM:Well I find myself very lucky to have received this blessing from God , the blessing of Being Mr World Botswana .I  heard about the pageant from my school mate of mine ,Latisha “ she is currently doing her 4th year and i am doing my first ( at AFDA Botswana , its a film school) . 

A day before auditions Latisha bumped into me at the  Mall ,  I was all suited up and felt happy after closing a good deal with my client . She bumped into me , complimented me and asked that is the suite I would be wearing for tomorrow’s auditions ready!

I looked at her with a puzzled  face and asked her “What auditions?“ she reminded me, then went on to explain why she felt i was good enough for the pageant..she did mention that i was cute and well toned body wise but she went even deeper to talk about all aspects of me ,my character, my ambition and much more .. AND FOR SOMEONE THAT HAD JUST KNOWN ME FOR CLOSE TO 4MONTHS .. this was all quite amazing ,motivating and shocking at the same time reason been she was able to see through me , know a-lot about me and connect all the dots ....  

AT THAT POINT i FELT SOO MOTIVATED,

SHE HAD PUT GAS ON MY FLAMES  OF AMBITION. From that point i knew i would belong to either one of the TOP 3 POSITION SLOTS ..and i had no doubt about   

 The following day i  woke up very early to make sure i was there on time and I was the first to audition. 

 

TR:When you were announced as the King of the pageant.How did you manage to receive the news and did you had any clue that you were the winner?

BM:Well honestly i was a bit shocked in disbelief,cause there  was this other model that took part and looked way more muscular than me  and had some african-ish,niggerian-ish -Botswana-ish suit that looked spectacular .. he had 2/3years experience, was over confident from the get go and had made it to the top 5 with me , so after my first and second prince 🤴🏽 were mentioned.. I legit thought his name would be mentioned next ..  to my surprise “Bonalenna Moetsabatho” was the name i heard the speaker call out. 

TR:What lesson did you draw from the whole competition?

BM:I learnt that life is honestly full of unexpected results or outcomes . One has to be ready for the unexpected, whether physically , mentally or emotionally .. if i wasn’t mentally ready I wouldn’t have had the courage to actually go sign up for this pageant simply because i felt i was too young and had absolutely no experience at all . If I wasn’t emotionally prepared I would have let my feelings of  intimidation prevent me from performing at my level best during boot camp training, rehearsals and on the final day of the main event. Honestly speaking I felt intimidated by majority of the people i was up against because they were either models or had pageant experience plus they were all way-taller than me but their age on the other hand was a factor that didn’t bother me at all. 

 

TR:Who is your role model in Africa?

BM:I consider Sir keitumele Masire my role model because he was a leader with vision to change the lives of others,A quoted former Us president Bill Clinton who in 1998 called Mr Masire an inspiration to all who cherish freedom"he was a man who wanted people to be given freedom in this life.He also had his own foundation (Sir keitumele Masire's foundation)which aim was to help and give back to the community. (conclusion: i also hope that during the long term run raise enough funds to start a foundation of my own that bridges the gap between social.

It will change people and the world we currently live in -in terms of equipping them with the necessary  skills for them to actually work under any career path they desire and also in talent searching and exposing in oder to help them monetise their skill and enable them to earn a loving from doing what they love which will also help the Boy child into modeling industry to be recognized and been given the opportunity to live their dreams and showcase their talents.

 

TR:In your communities what have you done to change the lives of your surroundings?

BM:Well ‘ I advocate for kids with social ills and have have and events to raise awareness and funds for the kids through associations that deal directly with the various departments that fall under these social ills. An example of some of these associations are the BOTSWANA DOWN-SYNDROME ASSOCIATION AND  AUTISM  BOTSWANA as well as Hope foundation. 

TR:What are your future plans?

BM:My future plans as Mr World Botswana are to see inclusion of all intellectually challenged persons in our country in all codes more especially in inclusive,specialised education and inclusive,non discriminatory work environment through my advocacy. Above all,much of my efforts shall be exerted on establishing a centre of the creative arts for these special people and have special care and training being at their disposal. In our country we have a problem with statistics and records of those children and adult individuals who are still being hidden from our eyes,we have families that are overprotective over their children and siblings who are not and may have not been enrolled on any educational platforms, so I am going to work hard to have such families and the public at large to know that these special people amongst us are able,and have capabilities of doing things that we can do and some have much greater IQ than some of us and it is through my advocacy through educational awareness that all the intellectually challenged children and adult individuals enjoy and benefit from all the rights and incentives that each and everyone of us enjoy.

TR:Besides modelling what are your other dreams that you planning to achieve?

BM:I intend on being a full time filmmaker as I enjoy creating content as well as being behind the screen working on the post production editing, i also desire to be well known for my talents , talents that I actually enjoy executing - i am a music artist and a very skilled basketball player , by the grace of God I shall be able to elevate in all these aspects .

TR:Gentleman it was nice having a conversation with you!

BM:Like wise. 

By Tapiwa Rubaya 

 

 

WHATS THE SECRET BEHIND THE AFRICAN PRINT GARMENTS.

 One of the tradition's in the Blink eye brand,a fashion brand based in Zambia is to present collections that are presented in African prints. In an interview with the Blink eye brand founder Duncan Zeke,we found out what is the main significance of the African print garments. We also get to know more about his current fashion show tour across Africa. 

TR:Where do the origins of Blink eye brand began?

DZ:The origins of blink eye brand began in the year 2017 with a small African print outfit that was then combined with a different cloth to perfect it.

TR:From it's origin of the brand what have you achieved as a brand?

DZ:As a brand in the past few years we have achieved so much from the responce from our local  customers, to a chain of international customer's, to dressing artists and showcasing at different fashion shows, like FWB, ZFW,Copperbelt fashion week not to mention but a few.

TR: As a brand you will be touring across Africa in fashion shows can you state some of the shows that you will be taking part in ?

DZ:The Mercedes Benz Fashion week, Fashion without Borders in Botswana .

TR:What outcome are you looking forward to obtain from these shows ?

DZ:Am looking forward in getting more support from the audiances and a great responce from Africa because the African print is what defines who we are.

TR:One might wonder are you going to showcase the same collection in those shows or different collections

DZ:When it comes to showcasing of clothes I  alwalys want to put my customers in suspense hence this will be a suprise.

TR:Since your brand emerged in the industry  it focuses mainly on the African Print garments. Whats your take of print garments in Africa?

DZ:My take on the print garments in Africa is that it is doing really well in defining who we are, the mixture if colours and the art in the prints is becoming more eye catching and as an African I must say am proud.

TR:In terms of the fashion shows you stated above what out come did you learnt do far?

DZ:The previous shows I have showcased in ,the outcome I have received it has been great as I had to see to it that the fashion industry is growing and people are willing to support their cultures through these shows.

TR:One might also wonder with the competition in Africa increasing day and night. How do you manage your business. 

DZ:How I manage my business is one of my greatest  secret, but to everyone out there,trust God believe in what you do, be consistence and love what you do. 

By Tapiwa Rubaya